Endeavour Hills thief steals poker machines, vans, tools in Dandenong high-stakes heist
A man thought he had hit the jackpot when he burgled a Dandenong warehouse and stole two vans and three pokie machines. But the Endeavour Hills gambler’s luck ran out, and now he’s in the slot.
South East
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A gambling-loving thief who stole three pokie machines and two vans worth more than $150,000 in a jackpot burglary has been remanded in custody.
Mark Kupi burgled a Dandenong warehouse on July 1 this year, nicking two $40,000-plus vehicles and a trio of electronic gaming machines valued at $85,000.
The Endeavour Hills 37-year-old also stole tools and wrecked another pokie machine, causing $35,000 worth of damage, in the high-stakes heist.
The day after he tried, but ironically failed, to break in to a Springvale locksmiths.
A week later he was caught with boxes of electrical goods, suspected to be the proceeds of crime, at his Endeavour Hills home.
And on June 25 he had been nabbed in possession of amphetamines and Viagra.
He was also driving unlicensed and was on bail at the time.
He pleaded guilty to 16 drugs, burglary, criminal damage, theft-related and bail breach charges at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
His defence lawyer said police were originally considering sending the matter to the County Court, but that was not the case now.
He said Kupi was pleading guilty to the charges in the magistrates’ jurisdiction, and requested his client be considering for the Drug Court.
He said Kupi had not been before the drug court before and would need to be assessed to see if he was suitable.
The Dandenong Drug Court is a jurisdiction that allows those who plead or are found guilty to serve their sentences in the community to allow them to receive treatment, supervision and support.
Magistrate Tony Burns agreed with the drug court assessment request and remanded Kupi in custody until October 6.
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